IT'S a question that's been bugging us since we've been flying: how do you snag that upgrade? Let's face it, everyone wants to enjoy the perks of travelling on the other side of the curtain - they just don't want to have to pay for it.

So how do you become one of the chosen few? Well, we can't make any promises, but if you follow these seven rules, you'll be giving yourself the best chance of being bumped up to Business. Good luck.

1. Pay full price

Buying a discounted ticket not only reduces the cost of your fare; it also limits your chances of landing an upgrade. It's a gamble, but if you've got your heart set on getting seated on the other side of the curtain, pick a full-price economy ticket. Airlines are far more likely to give a bonus upgrade to those who've paid the full ticket price, than those who've already got a good deal.

Your say: Have you been upgraded before? How did it happen? Tell us below

It seems practically anything passes for 'casual' travelling attire and these days your average airport is a sea of singlets, track pants, thongs or, worse, no shoes at all. Instead, if you want to be bumped into business class, your best bet is to look the part. Remember, you're hoping to share a cabin with people who might have forked out thousands for their ticket, so you want to look like you fit in, and making sure you're well-polished can make all the difference.

Airlines love to reward loyal passengers, and joining your chosen airline's frequent flyer program is the best way of getting yourself considered for an upgrade.

4. Travel at busy times

Airlines overbook flights all the time, and it's not uncommon for them to sell more tickets than the number of available seats on the plane - it only figures a handful of people will miss their flight or will just fail to turn up. If you travel at peak periods - Bali during the school holidays, for instance - it's a lot more likely the flight will be full, especially with families heading off overseas.

That way, if economy is over capacity, that spare seat in business might have your name on it. In this instance, it actually helps to arrive as late as possible, since it allows economy to fill up - if the flight's oversold and your seat has already been taken, it's likely they'll try to find room for you in business.

Business Class Service. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

5. Go to the counter

Checking in at the counter gives you a much better chance of being upgraded than using the self-check-in machines. It also gives you a chance to charm the person at the desk - though don't go overboard or it could have the opposite effect.

6. Have an excuse

The easiest time to get an upgrade isn't when you're checking in or waiting in the lounge; it's actually when you're on board, in your seat. If you find yourself stuck next to a screaming baby, your TV isn't working, or you're especially tall and need a little extra leg room, it might be your ticket out of economy.

If you politely ask if there's any space in the other section, you might find yourself in luck. As a side note: unfortunately, being vegetarian or having other special dietary requirements is unlikely to help your chances, since it adds an extra layer of hassle to proceedings, and airlines rarely carry many extra meals.

7. Be nice

It's pretty obvious but a smile makes all the difference. Being polite to the cabin staff or the person who handles your check in is a lot more likely to see you bumped up to business. Since airline staff are used to dealing with crowds of tired, grumpy travellers, your good manners will stand out even more.

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Comments on this story

I used to work for a guy that had business cards printed with his name and the title "travel writer". He would hand these over when asked for his name. I was mortified for him! The most annoying thing was it worked more often than not.

Comment 1 of 87

Bails of Sydney Posted at 8:01 AM July 17, 2013

Book rental cars and hotels via the airline website prompts.On two of the occasions i was upgraded they said that was a contributing factor.

Comment 2 of 87

M of Brisbane Posted at 8:10 AM July 17, 2013

In my (extensive) experience, unless you are a top tier frequent flyer you've got buckleys. Airlines reward frequent flyers, so when upgrades become available they will start with any platinum members in economy, then gold etc etc. Mr and Mrs red-e-deal won't stand a chance.

Comment 3 of 87

Paul Gaskin of Melbourne Posted at 8:12 AM July 17, 2013

Being alone offers a better chance of upgrade. I scored a business seat on Qantas from LA to Melbourne. They had two three-person families they were trying to seat together. Bumping three single Qantas Club members up into business created the space and flexibility they needed. Actually they weren't overbooked, and I have never found a Qantas flight overbooked, but beware QF code shares on American!

Comment 4 of 87

Dan of Japan Posted at 8:12 AM July 17, 2013

My wife and I generally have an agreement to fly business anywhere longer than a four hour flight, however once I was flying solo and got bumped to first class. I'm in my mid-forties.
I was neatly dressed, nice watch, polished shoes and when I checked in, I could tell the check-in attendant was a bit frazzled. I politely, with a smile, asked her how her day was going and she lied through her eyes by saying that she was great. I said 'hang in there, it'll be all over soon and then you can get some time to yourself'. She gave me a smile and handed over my boarding pass. 'There you go Mr. X. I'm sure you'll be very comfortable there.'
And I was.

Comment 5 of 87

Gaz of Yarrawonga Posted at 8:22 AM July 17, 2013

I have started calling myself Dr. rather than Mr. This helps as well

Comment 6 of 87

Ziggy Zapata of Sydney Posted at 8:30 AM July 17, 2013

"Airlines overbook flights all the time, and it's not uncommon for them to sell more tickets than the number of available seats on the plane." This is a blatant scam, because when you buy a ticket, you are buying a confirmed seat and the airline has no grounds to bump you off the flight. Airlines have no right to sell something they haven't got, like seats that have already been booked by others, on the basis that maybe some of those seats may fall vacant. The only reason an airline can legally refuse carriage to a ticket holder is if the flight cannot depart for mechanical, weather or other conditions that ground the aircraft. If I bought an airfare, even the cheapest hot deal, as far as I am concerned, I am guaranteed a seat on that aircraft and if the airline tries to bump me off because it has sold MY seat to somebody else, then they will be on the wrong end of a very large lawsuit.

Comment 7 of 87

dom of melbourne Posted at 8:33 AM July 17, 2013

When I traveled on China Southern, 1 lady complained inside the plane to the crew as her ticket is eligible for free upgrade. The crew simply told her to upgrade her ticket in registration, not after get into the plane. Everyone looked at her, knowing she just cheap and expecting free service. The rule here is simple, you pay for service you expect. No free lunch in this world.

Comment 8 of 87

Dot of Qld Posted at 8:34 AM July 17, 2013

Even if I did all the above I have to hope that 10 others have not read the tips and is going to vie for the upgrade . Can't the AIir lines make it more comfortable please by using less aircraft space for those behind the curtain . and plan the space to make it comfortable for the bulk of the travellers in the economy class to stretch their legs and have more toilet space .. Food of course they can supplement with some home cook food . Steward charm we can forego ifor most of the time its night flying and we dream of it . , but surely something could be done about those blankets or what ever they call them !But if they want to sell the expensive tickets by indicating the difference .. then sush I will go for it alone !

Comment 9 of 87

Adam W of Adelaide Posted at 8:43 AM July 17, 2013

1. Travel alone - no airline wants to upgrade a couple travelling together if they only need to upgrade 1.
2. Be a platinum frequent flyer - an airline is loyal to those most loyal to them.

Comment 10 of 87

Boon of Australia Posted at 8:44 AM July 17, 2013

My experience was with Singapore Airlines and the TV wasn't just broken. Someone had physically twisted the metal attachment of the TV off and it was dangling on the floor. I wanted the emergency exit seat for the leg room. And I told the flight attendant that it was ok I'll move to the back seat which was empty if I wanted to watch anything.
And 5 minutes later the head flight attendant asked me to move up to business class. Best experience on the play evvvaa

Comment 11 of 87

sailor6168 of Rockingham Posted at 8:48 AM July 17, 2013

8. Be a member of the Military.

Comment 12 of 87

Brisbanegirl of Brisbane Posted at 8:51 AM July 17, 2013

We got an upgrade with Emirates from Dubai to Brisbane a few weeks back. Dressed normally as people in the twenties do, jeans and hoodies etc. Didn't get upgrade and check in but checked our mobile passes while waiting for the plane an hour later and noticed we were upgraded. The plane was opposite of busy, so I disagree with the article. It felt like we were upgraded so they would have someone to serve in business. The only reason why we would be upgraded is that we were both silver frequent flyer? Though I cant believe that in the whole plane there was not many others with high FF points.

Comment 13 of 87

Marty Wodgal Posted at 8:52 AM July 17, 2013

Yea, do a bit of lying- the business cards with "travel journalist" work wonders. The best method by far though is charming, flirting with or just have a good chat with the check in agent. Last week, on a long haul flight, I had forgotten to allocate a seat and when the agent asked where I'd like to sit, I cheekily replied "business class, please" and to my surprise it worked. I'm currently travelling and have been upgraded on 3 out of 4 legs so far - and I'm a 20 year old guy who travels in tshirt, jeans and sneakers.

Comment 14 of 87

Frequent Flyer of Melbourne Posted at 8:55 AM July 17, 2013

Ziggy - I'm afraid you're wrong, they are entitled to do it and they do it regularly. Leaving your arrival to the last minute may mean that an overbooked flight gets you bumped to the NEXT flight, rarely the business class...

Comment 15 of 87

Peter McCarthy of Sydney Posted at 8:56 AM July 17, 2013

I have been upgraded countless times flying doestic and internationally. It's pretty simple, if you are a frequent flyer, well presented and smile you will be more likely to be upgraded if it is fully booked. I see so many people joke and ask if they can get upgraded to 1st class and I think the check in attendants get a bit sick of that old joke! Frequent flyers are easier to spot, we don't have that inflatable neck pillow handy during check in.

Comment 16 of 87

mike Posted at 8:56 AM July 17, 2013

Frequent Flyer status will not help you on One World airlines.

Comment 17 of 87

ronaldo Posted at 8:59 AM July 17, 2013

On Qantas it is best not to have a noticeably "ethnic" (ie non-British) name.

Comment 18 of 87

Ross James of Australia Posted at 9:02 AM July 17, 2013

M of Brisbane Comment 3 "unless you are a top tier frequent flyer you've got buckleys". I agree. As a platinum FF with Qantas for many years. I was often upgraded, but it rarely happened before then.

Comment 19 of 87

Ziggy Zapata of Sydney Posted at 9:03 AM July 17, 2013

Why do people make so much fuss about upgrades? Most flights within Australia are very short - 1 hour 20 minutes from Sydney to Melbourne. Don't tell me that people cannot endure sitting in Economy for that short a time without bitching about it? One barely has time to read the paper before touching down again. Even going to Perth from Sydney is five hours. Some people happily sit for five hours in an economy class seat on a regional train and say nothing, yet throw a tantrum if they are not upgraded to Business or even First Class on that Sydney-Perth flight. What's the difference? Five hours on a nice aircraft is no big deal, even in Cattle Class. Oh I forgot - it's the Age Of Entitlement, where people expect things to which they are not entitled and do not pay for. It's so pathetic. By the way, I was a commercial charter pilot (now medically retired) and I have piloted light to medium twin-engined aircraft for many hours at a time, sitting in narrow seats and with not even a toilet on board. It's no big deal.

Comment 20 of 87

TBV of NSW Posted at 9:05 AM July 17, 2013

All this hype for a bigger and better seat?? C'Mon people get a grip and stop wanting more and being greedy.BE HAPPY WITH WHAT YOU HAVE.

Comment 21 of 87

Joey of Sydney Posted at 9:08 AM July 17, 2013

Ziggy Zapata of Sydney: "if the airline tries to bump me off because it has sold MY seat to somebody else, then they will be on the wrong end of a very large lawsuit."
You have no idea how hard I laughed at that

Comment 22 of 87

JT of Brisbane Posted at 9:08 AM July 17, 2013

As someone who pays extra for the business class experience it annoys me to no end when people get upgraded. I work hard to pay the extra cost of business class, so why should others get a free ride? If you want to fly business/first, pay for it.

Comment 23 of 87

Snapper Posted at 9:11 AM July 17, 2013

I went to high school and once shared a house with a mate who now holds a senior position with an international airline. Whenever I have to fly overseas I let him know the details, pay the fare and he takes care of the rest. He makes a note in my booking and when I check in at the airport I am upgraded and waited on as I wait for my boarding call in the members lounge. All for the price of an economy ticket.

Comment 24 of 87

JH of GC Posted at 9:16 AM July 17, 2013

Ziggy Zapata of Sydney, have you actually even read the terms and conditions of the contract you enter into by buying a ticket? The airline guarantees it will get you to your destination, by any means it deems appropriate, at a time it deems appropriate. There is absolutely no guarantees when it comes to flying. They can put you on a bus the following day and still be compliant to their legal obligations to you.

Comment 25 of 87

dave of lost in space Posted at 9:17 AM July 17, 2013

Fly Emirates or Eithad as there staff are not allowed in business & first class on cheap tickets so much better chance of a upgrade with them than Qantas BA United ect

Comment 26 of 87

Scott of Hill Top NSW Posted at 9:20 AM July 17, 2013

Flying Emirates back from NZ, I'd already bought economy to fly to NZ, and given the small gap in price, business class back.
When I was waiting at the lounge to board, I was asked if they could see my tickets, which they took and replaced with first class tickets.
There was 2 of us. We were dressed casually after skiing, jeans, runners and warm jackets.

Comment 27 of 87

Paul of Vic Posted at 9:25 AM July 17, 2013

I agree with Dot of Qld. I like to visit overseas countries, the worst part is the long flight...in economy. I agree, give the business and first class a little less room and make it a bit more comfortable for cattle class.

Comment 28 of 87

Dicko Posted at 9:25 AM July 17, 2013

Be a travel agent. That's how I got a freebie Sydney-London in a 747. I had seat No 1 on the way up and seat No 2 on the return. Infact I was sitting infront of the pilot up in the nose cone. It was a firm ticket so I couldn't get bumped off enroute. The bar was up top and I was the youngest passenger in first class. Should have seen the looks I got as I certainly didn't look like I was flushed with dosh. One bloke asked me how did I get to travel FC so I set him back and told him. "Same as you did." Get into the travel business and see the world for nicks. I've now been to 47 countries....10 times to Fiji. Eat ya heart out...and don't say, " but you're lucky" coz I chose to get into the travel industry at an early age.

Comment 29 of 87

Naomi Posted at 9:27 AM July 17, 2013

I've been upgraded by having a seat almost at the back of the plane. They needed to "balance the weight distribution along the aircraft". And I was travelling with my husband, so we both got upgraded!

Comment 30 of 87

BM of Aus Posted at 9:32 AM July 17, 2013

Agree with Ross James and M of Brisbane, since I have been platinum the upgrades have started coming. And it is not from talking to check-in staff or asking in the lounge. My free upgrades have either become apparent as I was checking in on-line or as I was scanning my pass at the gate during boarding. I disagree with the statement that getting there late is the key, flying Tokyo-Perth I was one of the first people to check-in (as the counters were open early) and I was upgraded (as was the mate standing next to me who had booked his ticket using points).

Comment 31 of 87

Kyle K Posted at 9:37 AM July 17, 2013

Gaz that could come back to bite you. I know a girl who put Dr. on her ticket because she had her PhD. There was a heart attack on the plane and the stewards came rushing to her for assistance, only to be met by a "I'm not that sort of Dr." How embarrassing!

Comment 32 of 87

Mike of Melton Posted at 9:51 AM July 17, 2013

@TBV, I agree that people obsess a bit much about this, but after trying economy between Melbourne and London I realised just how uncomfortable it is. If I do that again I'll definitely have a stopover to break it up.

Comment 33 of 87

Cam Posted at 9:57 AM July 17, 2013

Oh JT of Brisbane is must be so mortifying to have the hordes of the great unwashed tainting your business class experience ...

Comment 34 of 87

Mal jones of Go queensland Posted at 10:04 AM July 17, 2013

I didn't but my mother & wife got up upgraded on an emirates flight only cause my mother walked up the red carpet which she thought was a nice touch but was meant for first class passengers.
When the checkout lady asked if she was a first class passenger my mother said no its to expensive, instead of telling her to go to economy checkout she asked if she would like to be upgraded to first class.
Well how flukey was that.

Comment 35 of 87

expat Posted at 10:05 AM July 17, 2013

If your not a high tier frequent flyer then forget it, you have less than a 0.1% chance. Many airlines have now put in a place a no upgrade policy outside of their gold/platinum members.

Comment 36 of 87

Tim the Toolman Posted at 10:08 AM July 17, 2013

Bali during the school holidays? You could fly me there on unicorns that spout expensive champagne from their horns and poop truffles and I wouldn't put up with that.

Comment 37 of 87

Jem Posted at 10:09 AM July 17, 2013

@JT of Brisbane --- don't be a cry baby. At the end of the day how would you know who has been upgraded? There are plenty of business class passengers who dress casually.

Comment 38 of 87

Sparky Posted at 10:10 AM July 17, 2013

Adam W - I'm a platinum Qantas frequent flyer and have been for three years.. in that time I've been on 600 short and longhaul trips and I've managed to score one domestic upgrade (and that was only because they'd oversold the flight). Is there something wrong with me?

Comment 39 of 87

Joseph Ozdemir of Perth, WA Posted at 10:16 AM July 17, 2013

This is all terrible advice...do your research, accrue FF miles in programs that are actually useful (ie. not Qantas). I literally just got home an hour ago from a round trip Perth to London with a legs in Lufthansa first from BKK-FRA and then FRA-HKG. Cost me $250 total in taxes.
I'm top tier with AA, UA, VA and TK and besides obvious upgrade policies in the USA I've only received one 'op-up' in my life and that was on South African on a short flight from Zambia back to Johannesburg.
Whilst you hear the odd story of people getting bumped up, I think it's a bit poor for a national news website to be dishing out advice like the above that really won't work. I know it's possible to monitor passenger loads on flights to increase the chance of an 'op-up' but you still need to be a top tier flier with the operating airline too generally.
There's a raft of far, far better advice than the above out there that is available to anyone who cares to take the time to research and learn.

Comment 40 of 87

Rob of Sydney Posted at 10:17 AM July 17, 2013

Wow Snapper - so you leech off a friend from years ago you only keep in contact with when you want something. What do you do for your friend? I bet every time he sees an email from you begging for another favour he just rolls his eyes and calls you the scab you are.

Comment 41 of 87

Rob of Perth Posted at 10:28 AM July 17, 2013

Every week there seems to be an article on this subject. I travel a lot and have concluded the following: Upgrades are rarely if ever given - its happened to me twice only in ~ 15 years and an awful lot of air miles! If you want to get an upgrade either pay for it or use your points but even the latter doesn't guarantee anything. Aviation is a business with tight margins therefore upgrades are rapidly becoming a thing of the past.

Comment 42 of 87

waggles of perth Posted at 10:30 AM July 17, 2013

We pay to fly business class when we travel overseas. Once when we checked in, the staff informed us the flight was overbooked and one of us would have to sit in economy or we could wait for the next flight! As compensation they offered $200. We refused the offer. After lengthy negotiations, we received a totally free one way business class airfare with 1 year expiry, the person sitting in the first row behind business class, had a 3 row seat all to themself, received business class service and menu. We had booked and paid and chosen seat allocation 10 months prior and felt entitled to more than the Airline's original offer. The seat in business class was used by an airline employee!

Comment 43 of 87

James Posted at 10:32 AM July 17, 2013

Old man used to work for an airline, got business class seats guaranteed for staff prices. Got upgraded to first class several times also but have had to sit in the jumpseat in cockpit, cloak cupboard and flight attendant seats on occasion. I've also been standing in a 747 stairwell on take off with a flight attending holding me tight. Ahh good times.

Comment 44 of 87

VS of Sydney, NSW. Posted at 10:37 AM July 17, 2013

I was happily bumped to Virgin's 'Upper' class on a business flight to HK. At the check in, the operator saw a man in a suit with a small regulation cabin bag and booked in their business class equivalent. I was very pleased. Service was good, seating comfortable and it was deliciously quiet.

Comment 45 of 87

Jack66 Posted at 10:49 AM July 17, 2013

I'm with JT of Brisbane - comment 21.
How about paying for it. There is nothing worse than paying for business yourself - only to see economy passnegers upgraded mid flight for free when some Hostess allows it.
If you book early there are usually some lower business class fares available. I got Cairns - Sydney - Nadi return once for just 1,400 in business. Also Auckland - Brisbane - Djakarta once for 1,200 return in business.
In any case - Business on Qantas domestically - is only about as good as Qantas economy used to be . Nothing special. You need fly international to see the benefits of Business class.

Comment 46 of 87

Trent of In J/C Posted at 10:50 AM July 17, 2013

What is with this sense of entitlement?...If you go to a Hyundai dealer, pay for an i30, then ask the dealer for an upgrade to a Mercedes Benz, what do you think will happen? Same deal on a plane. Stop being pan handlers.

Comment 47 of 87

Next time I'll try Travel Journalist of canberra Posted at 10:51 AM July 17, 2013

We were nearly bumped of an emirates flight due to over booking from Dubai to BKK and had to wait until 30 mins before the gate shut to find out if we had made it on the flight. We had arrived 3 hours early and they still said that the flight was over booked and we should have rang before coming to airport. They didn't offer us an upgrade but did offer us a free flight each! We were sitting on the hard plastic chairs eating vending machine chips and coffee at 3am in the morning planning where we would go on our free flight when the check in guys found us all smiles to tell us they were able to get us on our flight.... and gave us each 20AED inflight voucher to spend... never so disappointed to get on a flight in our lives!!!

Comment 48 of 87

now frequent flyer of Brisbane Posted at 10:53 AM July 17, 2013

While I fly a lot more these days, back before my current job I was once a bronze QFF, flying on a discount AA ticket on QF metal from AKL>LAX>JFK. I was travelling with my wife, who was also QFF bronze and on the same PNR (but seperate ticket) as a single non-QFF member. We checked in at AKL and were advised we would be in business class, however they couldnt sit us together. nce on board the people in business were more than happy to swap seats so my wife and I could sit together. the story gets more impressive and the upgrade more beneficial once we landed in LAX, but thats a story for another time. Long and the short of it is that none of the above applied and this article is just a load of bollocks.

Comment 49 of 87

Sam in HK of HK Posted at 10:54 AM July 17, 2013

"That way, if economy is over capacity, that spare seat in business might have your name on it".
Yes that is true, like buying a lottery ticket... Also there is the chance that they will tell you the flight is overbooked and give you a voucher for some dodgy food & maybe a voucher to a dodgy hotel.
If you can't afford to pay for business then fly economy...

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